By Dean Seal

Google-owned Fitbit agreed to pay $12.25 million to resolve claims it failed to immediately report a defect in certain smartwatches that could create a burn hazard for wearers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday that Fitbit knew a defect in its Ionic smartwatches created an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, as it had received numerous reports of the devices overheating while being worn and leaving some consumers with second- and third-degree burns.

Fitbit continued to receive the reports even after it initiated a firmware update attempting to fix the problem in early 2020, the CPSC said. The smartwatches at issue were recalled in March 2022 following at least 115 reports of overheating and 78 reports of burn injuries in the U.S.

Despite knowing all of this, Fitbit didn't immediately report the issue to the CPSC as required, according to the agency.

Fitbit doesn't admit to CPSC's allegations, but it has agreed to settle them by paying a $12.25 million penalty and beefing up its compliance program.

A representative for Fitbit said the company is pleased to have resolved the matter.

Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 23, 2025 10:44 ET (15:44 GMT)

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